Matariki and what's on this weekend

Mānawatia A Matariki!

Matariki is the Māori name for the cluster of stars that rise in midwinter and for many Māori, heralds the start of the new year. The return of the cluster happens on Friday June 28 this year. It is a time to share, a time of hope, a time to reflect, and a time to focus on whānau.

What's on?

There are a number of ways for you to get involved and celebrate this year right across the rohe.

Thursday 27 June

• Matariki Night Kai Market, Tauhara Primary School, 5.30pm.
• Tūrangi Family Lights Disco, town centre, 5pm to 7pm.

Friday 28 June

• Taupō Museum - Mānawatia a Matariki ki Te Whare Pupuri Taonga ō Taupō. Open 10am to 4.30pm with a sausage sizzle and Matariki star hunt.

Saturday 29 June

• Mangakino Matariki Light and Food Festival, town centre, 5.30pm to 9pm
• Wairākei Village Community Ngahere Matariki Event, 2pm to 4pm

Friday 28 June until Sunday 21 July

• Taupō Museum, Taupō Library, Mangakino Library and Tūrangi Library - audiobooks will be playing Matariki tales and craft stations will be set up for crafting stars and lanterns.

Now until Sunday 28 July

• Taupō Museum Niven Gallery - Taa E Kōrero Ana – Marks That Speak, is a compelling exhibition of new work and explorations by Vanessa Wairata Edwards.
• Taupō Museum Main Gallery - He Tāhei Poananga features a collection of artworks by Toi Tūwharetoa, a collective of artists who either whakapapa to Ngāti Tūwharetoa, or who are Māori and live within the region of Tūwharetoa.
• Taupō Museum is open 10am to 4.30pm daily. Free entry for Taupō District residents with proof of address.

Wednesday 3 July and Saturday 6 July

• Tauhara Maunga, Maunganamu - Tree planting with the Tauhara Collective, 5.45am ceremony, 10am registrations for tree planting.

Wednesday 10 July

• Taupō Library, 10.30am to 11.30am - Toddler Time. Learn about the Matariki star Hiwa-i-te-Rangi and create a wishing star wand.
• Tūrangi Library, 10am to 11am - Learn how the Matariki stars were formed and create a masterpiece star through embossing with foil. Suitable for ages 5 and above.

Thursday 11 July.

• Taupō Library, 10.30am to 11.30am - Learn how the Matariki stars were formed and create a masterpiece star through embossing with foil. Suitable for ages 5 and above.
• Tūrangi Library, 10am to 11am - Learn why people fly kites during Matariki and create a special kite of your own. Suitable for ages 5 and above.

Friday 12 July

• Taupō Library, 10.30am to 11.30am - Learn why people fly kites during Matariki and create a special kite of your own. Suitable for ages 5 and above.
• Tūrangi Library, 10am to 11am - Toddler Time. Learn about the Matariki star Hiwa-i-te-Rangi and create a wishing star wand.

To learn more about the meaning of Matariki visit matariki.net.nz